Charity shop marks 10 years of helping community

A CHARITY shop in Sonning Common has marked its 10th anniversary.

A CHARITY shop in Sonning Common has marked its 10th anniversary.

The Wood Lane branch of Christian Community Action sells donated clothes, pictures, prams, cots and toys as well as cheap furniture and food. It has 24 volunteers who also offer a support service in which they listen to people’s issues.

Joan Bawden, a supervisor who has worked at the shop since it opened, called it the “hub of the community” where anyone was welcome to pop in. She said: “We get so many people coming in with their donations, we’re a hive of activity.

“People on low incomes can buy very cheap items and we’re also a drop-in centre offering an ear to people who want to have a chat and a cup of coffee. We also offer prayers if they want.” Ms Bawden, who lives in Peppard, said the shop has a partnership arrangement with Springwater Church in Blounts Court Road, Peppard.

It sends food to the church, which distributes it to needy people, and the minister visits the shop once a week.